Julius Anthony "Tony" Byrd passed away on February 26, 2026, in Hochatown, OK. He was born on October 10, 1942 in Hochatown, OK to parents, Alton B and Irene Florence (Nett) Byrd.

Tony was a wonderful husband of almost 59 years to his wife Carol and a wonderful father to his 3 children, Julie, Bobby and late son Gaylon. He spent many years as a long-haul truck driver impatiently trying to get home to his family and friends.  He loved spending time on the lake and believe it or not was an amazing slalom and barefoot skier.  Those days on the lake will always be cherished by his family. In the early years he and his wife were active in the Jaycees and Jaynes and helped out with the rodeo events.  He enjoyed Broken Bow Friday night football games watching his daughter in band and cheerleading and his son playing football.  He loved fishing on the lake and trot line fishing as well.  His favorite past time had to be spending time sitting at the Huddle, Bunches and Burkes gossiping or as he told it “gathering truth” with all of his friends and coworkers.  He loved to travel to California to visit family and site see on the way.  His kids do remember his way of site seeing was “hurry up and look so we can get back on the road”.  Truckdriver at heart for sure!  No matter where his children were living he always traveled to spend time with them and the grandchildren.  He was not only a member of Chapel of The Pines Baptist Church but was a member from the very beginning and also spent some time as a Sunday school teacher there as well. 

He was always up to something with his buddies.  Whether driving a mule team, training coon dogs, or just pure mischief.  He cherished his friends and as they all left this world for Heaven he found himself feeling idle.  He spent time watching ball games and relaxing at home.  He loved seeing and spending time with all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was so proud of them all!  We know he will be happy to see his family and friends in Heaven while the rest of us are anxious to see him again.  He knew where he was going when he left this earth and that gives the rest of the family peace. He will be missed!

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Irene Florence (Nett) Byrd, his beloved son, Gaylon Anthony Byrd in 1970, and his sister, Norman Lavell Wells.

Tony is survived by his loving wife, Carol Byrd of the home; his son, Bobby Joe Byrd (Leah Ann) and his children, Kanyon, Garett, Brayden Byrd and Shaylen Hale; his daughter, Julie Carr (Bill) and their children, Toni Leigh Carr, Savannah Brooke Hubbard and Dakota Todd Carr; his sister, Barbara Ann Whitteman (John) and their children, Adam, Mitch and Tyler;  five great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services are set for 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Chapel of The Pines Church in Hochatown, OK with Pastor Jimmy Jeter officiating. Interment to follow at Hochatown Cemetery, Hochatown, OK.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. prior to the Service.